Event
The Dance Centre Open House
The 25th annual Open House offers a chance to experience a host of different dance styles, in a day of free classes, showings and events at our beautiful building. Participating companies and artists include Afrobeats, Chichak Performing Arts, André Bessette & Jammin’ Cameron and a special event with Ballet Vancouver and Heather Ogden!
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Photos: Company 605/Lisa Gelley
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Events are drop-in, and suitable for all levels, including beginners.
Exhibit: č̓əl̕təl̕ístəχʷ tə x̌pey̓əɬp Honouring Cedar (Sept 12 – Oct 12)
Curated by Tasha Faye Evans
Main lobby – free
A poignant meditation on Cedars as our Tree of Life, this exhibit (as part of the premiere of Cedar Woman) features artists: Xwalacktun OBC, Angela Paul, Aaron “Splash” Moody, Ocean Hyland, Atheana Baker, K̓esugwilakw and Cease Wyss.
10:15-11:45am Step Inside the Ballet Vancouver Studio
Join Ballet Vancouver and The Dance Centre for a rare opportunity to watch Ballet Vancouver’s company class — an intimate window into the daily training that shapes world-class performance.
Taught by Patrick Howell, a former leading artist with Northern Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet, the class offers a glimpse into how the company prepares for their upcoming 2026/27 Season Opening performances (including guest Principal dancer, Heather Ogden of The National Ballet of Canada).
Latecomers will not be admitted. Pre-booking is mandatory — space is limited.
Class Viewing Tickets: $15
Later that day — don’t miss the performance.
Balanchine’s Apollo & Other Works | Vancouver Playhouse
Saturday, September 12 | 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Performance tickets & info: balletvancouver.com
12:30-1:30pm CLASS: Open Level Ballet Technique with SJ Dance Productions
An accessible ballet class for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience. This inclusive class is focused on creating a positive space for learning technique and choreography. Perfect for anyone who loves to dance.
12-1:30pm WORKSHOP: Azerbaijani folk dances with Asal Ahadi, Chichak Performing Arts.
An introduction to Azerbaijan’s rich culture through dance.
1-2pm CLASS: AfroBeats with Isaac Gasangwa, AfroBeats Van
A high-energy fusion of African and hip hop dance.
3-4pm CLASS: Jig/House with Jammin’ Cameron and André Bessette
André & Jammin’ Cameron lead you in Métis Jigging basics followed by an intro House lesson followed by applying House and Jigs Steps together.
André & Jammin’ Cameron reflect on the inherence of community and self-expression found in both House Dance and Métis Jigging. These dances originated in underground clubs, kitchen parties, and community gatherings where folks gathered to share joy, movement, and interconnectedness.
Time TBA shortly Interactive Open Studio: Dive Beneath the Currents by Sarah U 余衍晴
2-hour experience
- An interactive movement-to-visual installation where visitors can step into the projection space and see their movements transformed into responsive visuals inspired by ocean currents, coral formations, and underwater ecosystems.
- A live DJ set featuring a curated soundscape inspired by flooding, underwater environments, ocean currents, and marine life, blending ambient sounds with jazz, hip hop, and R&B influences.
- Short movement demonstrations by members of the artistic team, sharing movement research developed during the residency.
- The first public showing of sculptural projection surfaces we have been developing for the project.
And more Open House fan favourites!